I went a few years ago for a couple of weeks and we only used a campsite once. On the climbs we just found anywhere for our tent, on the 6th there is loads of space on top of the climb up to Ax 3 Domaines at the bottom of the ski slopes, and lots of restaurants, bars etc. so you can just camp at the top. Not sure what climbs they are doing on the 7th, but if its Tourmalet then we camped about half way up, or Aubisque there is space to camp right at the top. Either way it was pretty easy.

And definitely take your bike. It's great riding up the climbs the morning before the race comes.

When I went we drove up, the road closes to cars early in the morning I think but it was not always consistent, I think it is best to drive up the day before. It closes to bikes a few hours before the race comes.

Last year we rocked up to the Tourmalet at about 5pm the day before the stage and pitched up our tents on the roadside no worries. Having said that, there is a massive ski station car park there which takes most of the camper vans etc, not sure if Aix or Peyresourd has something similar.

If you have to camp lower down due to space issues, you will have plenty of time to walk/cycle to the top of the mountain before the riders come through - and the queues to drive off the mountain afterwards will be INSANE anyway, so resign yourself to either a long walk or a VERY long, very hot wait in a car going nowhere!

Don't forget your sunscreen, hat water, and most importantly, beer and ice! You will have a great time mate, enjoy!

A few too many years ago I was lucky enough to be out in the Alps on a hiking holiday when the tour passed near by. We knew it was coming through our village cat 3 climb the next day, but decided to catch the day earlier hc climb not too far away. Our thinking was that the pros go up a cat 3 like its not there. Too much wine and poor map reading skills meant we ended up atop a very similar sounding but very quiet non-route mountain to watch the odd team or media vehicle go passed. Not sure this gives you any useful guidance, but at least you can laugh at our stupidity when you're there!